These observations document past conditions at a small and variable scale. They are not to be confused with an avalanche forecast. They come from a variety of sources. We can only vouch for the quality of those produced by the SAC forecasters and professional observers.
Date and time of observation or avalanche occurrence Location Media Observation made by
04/13/2023 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Silver Peak
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area 		1-2 inches of soft wet snow on top of a 6-8 inch thick melt-freeze crust with 2+ ft of wet snow below it at 11 am on a SE aspect. Firm supportable conditions existed in many places before 10 am. Runnel in a meadow indicating that water is draining through the snowpack. Large cornices still exist along many ridges. Recent wet loose activity on a NE facing slope. Forecaster
04/13/2023 - 11:30
Snowpack Observation 		Monument Pass
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) 		Boot and ski penetration were only 1-2" Shovel at the bottom of the supportable crust Almost mountain biking season (this was actually the only patch of dirt we saw today) Several previous avalanches near where we skied today A previous avalanche on Job's Sister No avalanche activity on Freel Professional Observer
04/13/2023 - 10:00
Snowpack Observation 		Jakes Peak
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay) 		Some lower slopes had visible runnels still on the surface. On north facing slopes at the summit ridge area there was 3-5mm surface hoar. Clear sky looking to the south Looking NW into Desolation. There's a glide crack in the lower middle that I don't recall seeing in past years. Looking across Emerald Point and into Desolation. An impressively large old debris pile just above the cabins by Hwy 89. There were multiple trees broken and sticking out of this pile. Professional Observer
04/12/2023 - 11:30
Snowpack Observation 		Echo peak
Echo Summit Area 		Public
04/12/2023 - 11:20
Snowpack Observation 		Rose Knob Peak
Mount Rose Area 		Sinking into deep wet snow when we stepped off our skis on a SE aspect at 8000 ft at 10 am. A 3 inch thick melt-freeze crust existed on top of deep wet snow at 9200 ft on a SE aspect at 10:40 am. Skis started sinking through the crust into the wet snow at 8200 ft. on E and SE aspects around 11:20 am. Recent cornice collapses on nearby ridges. Forecaster
04/11/2023 - 14:00
Snowpack Observation 		Carson Pass
Carson Pass Area 		Clouds casting shadows were not enough to prevent surface wetting and weakening Ski penetration of a few inches, not dependent on aspect A glide crack and minor wet loose activity Another glide crack forming This cornice was still mostly intact Professional Observer
04/11/2023 - 11:30
Avalanche Observation 		Johnson Canyon
Donner Summit Area 		Large cornice collapses in Johnson Canyon that happened between yesterday afternoon and this morning. Cracks are visible on the ridge where the rest of the cornice is seperating from the ridgeline. Large cornice collapses in Johnson Canyon that happened between yesterday afternoon and this morning. Water was streaming off the underside of these cornices at 11:30 am today. Large cornice collapses in Johnson Canyon that happened between yesterday afternoon and this morning. Ski kicks above steep slopes triggered wet loose avalanches several inches deep at 11 am. Sinking into shin deep wet snow this morning while standing in a snowmobile track from yesterday. Cloud cover started to increase over the Sierra Crest around noon. Forecaster
04/11/2023 - 09:00
Snowpack Observation 		Polaris Bowl
Carson Pass Area 		Public
04/10/2023 - 16:00
Avalanche Observation 		Blue Lakes
Carson Pass Area 		Ski and track penetration were a few inches into wet surface snow, with deeper boot penetration I was surprised not to see any wet loose activity. Zoom in to see highmarking tracks that didn't trigger anything Large cornices in the area Boarder Bowl receiving strong sunshine but no avalanche activity A wet loose avalanche above the Crystal Springs campground. It looks like at least two avalanches that converged Another avalanche in Woodfords Canyon. The debris is on top of an older debris pile Professional Observer
04/10/2023 - 15:00
Avalanche Observation 		Donner Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Forecaster
04/10/2023 - 12:30
Snowpack Observation 		SE Shore
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) 		Public
04/10/2023 - 11:50
Avalanche Observation 		Mt Rose S Face
Mount Rose Area 		Public
04/10/2023 - 11:00
Avalanche Observation 		Mt. Judah
Donner Summit Area 		Wet loose avalanches and cornice collapses along the Sierra Crest Recent cornice collapse sometime today along the N face of Donner Peak. Ski kicks on small test slopes create wet snow instabilities. Ski kicks on small test slopes create wet snow instabilities. W aspects this morning were unsupportable with 4-8''+ of wet snow even with strong to gale force SW winds. Forecaster
04/09/2023 - 12:00
Avalanche Observation 		Flagpole Peak
Echo Summit Area 		Public
04/09/2023 - 11:30
Avalanche Observation 		Rubicon Peak
West Shore Area 		A ski cut on this small E-facing test slope triggered a small sluff of wet snow. It stayed small because the slope was small. A ski kick on the same test slope triggered this 7 ft diameter pinwheel moments later. Looking up the small slope that produced the 7 ft diameter pinwheel. Thin, weak refreeze on N aspects at 9:45 am on Rubicon. Rollerballs, pinwheels, and wet loose activity on the E face of Jakes Peak. Clouds over the lake indicating colder air below the clouds and warmer air above the clouds. This inversion remained low and the cold air did not extend much above the lake level. Forecaster

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